Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat: Celebrating Unity and Diversity for a Stronger India

• Inducted in 2015: “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” was announced by the Prime Minister in 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. 
  • This initiative was subsequently announced in his Budget Speech for 2016-17.
• Aim and Objective: Through this innovative measure, the knowledge of the culture, traditions and practices of different States & UTs will lead to an enhanced understanding and bonding between the States, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of India.
• Strengthening India: Cultivating Unity, Awareness, and Interconnectedness Across States
  • Imbibe Binding and Brotherhood: To celebrate the idea of India as a nation wherein different cultural units across varied geographies coalesce and interact with each other, this glorious manifestation of diverse cuisine, music, dance, theatre, movies & films, handicrafts, sports, literature, festivals, painting, sculpture etc. will enable people to imbibe the innate chord of binding and brotherhood.
  • Creating Awareness of Modern India: To make our people aware about the seamless integral hull of the Modern Indian State spread across a vast landmass on whose firm foundations, the geopolitical strength of the country is ensured to benefit one and all.
  • Nation Building: To impress upon people at large about the increasing interconnectedness between the constituents of various cultures and traditions, which is so vital for the spirit of nation building.
  • Responsibility & Ownership: To induce a sense of responsibility & ownership for the nation as a whole through these close cross-cultural interactions as it intends to build up the interdependence matrix unequivocally.
  • State to State Connect: To create a learning ecosystem between the various stakeholders of the partnering states so that they benefit from the best practices of one another by establishing a State to State Connect.
• 148th Anniversary: This year marks the 148th birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel.
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai merged 565 princely states to make India one nation. 
  • National Unity Day: It is celebrated on his birth anniversary.

Sardar Patel’s Role in the Unification of Princely States in India

• Large States with Princely Control: Princely States were several large and small states in British India ruled by Princes with some form of control over their internal affairs as long as they accepted British supremacy. 
• Extent: They (565 in number) covered one-third of the land area of the British Indian Empire and one out of four Indians lived under princely rule. 
  • Just before Independence, the British gave the right to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent to the people of princely states. 
• Leadership: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Home Minister in the interim government, was responsible for unifying these Princely States to create a united country I.e. India. 
• Integration of Princely States: He played a crucial role in integrating the princely states in India. 

Sardar Patel’s Strategic Diplomacy: Integrating Princely States into the Indian Union

• JawaharLal Nehru asked him to integrate the princely states and with the help of VP Menon, Patel drafted an instrument of accession to be signed by the rulers. 
• By signing the instrument, the princely states agreed to hand over control of defence, foreign affairs, and communications to the Union government.
• Patel also introduced the idea of ‘privy purses,’ making payments to the royal families in lieu of their joining India. 
• Through his statesmanship, negotiations with princely states through diplomacy and real politics, Sardar Patel managed to bring nearly all of the princely states under the India Union.
• Most of the states joined India, however, some states like Travancore and Bhopal were still hesitant to join India and the Constituent Assembly.

Early Life and Political Awakening: A Journey of Transformation and Leadership

• Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, Vallabhbhai Patel pursued law studies in England, returning to India in 1913. 
• His encounter with Mahatma Gandhi in Ahmedabad transformed him into a fervent follower of the freedom movement.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: A Champion of Civil Disobedience and Unwavering Resolve

• Champion of Civil Disobedience:
  • Patel played a pivotal role in campaigns like the Kheda Satyagraha (1918) and Bardoli Satyagraha (1928). 
  • His organizing skills and dedication earned him the title ‘Sardar’, reflecting his leadership qualities. 
  • He embraced Gandhi’s principles, leading various movements against unjust taxes and governmental oppression.
• Quit India Movement and Incarceration
  • During the Quit India Movement (1942), Patel was at the forefront, advocating for India’s complete independence. Despite imprisonment, his resolve remained unshaken.

Vallabhbhai Patel: Forging India’s Political Unity and Administrative Strength

• Integration of Princely States:
  • After India’s independence, Patel faced the daunting task of integrating more than 565 princely states into the Indian Union. His persuasive diplomacy and, when necessary, forceful measures ensured that states like Junagadh and Hyderabad joined India, preserving national unity.
• All India Services: The Steel Frame of India:
  • Recognizing the need for a robust administrative structure, Patel conceptualized and established the All India Services. 
  • He emphasized the importance of service, impartiality, and integrity among civil servants, viewing them as essential to the nation’s progress.

Vallabhbhai Patel: Pioneering Self-Reliance and Sustainable Economic Growth

• Self-Reliance and Industrialization:
  • Patel advocated for self-reliance, emphasizing rapid industrialization to reduce dependence on foreign resources. 
  • He championed cooperative movements, notably the formation of the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union, revolutionizing India’s dairy sector.
• Investment-Led Growth:
  • Patel stressed investment-led growth, urging citizens to save, spend judiciously, and invest for prosperity. 
  • He believed in motivating laborers through incentives and economic growth rather than solely focusing on wealth distribution.

Vallabhbhai Patel’s Legacy: The Symbol of Unity and National Integration

• Statue of Unity
  • To honor Patel’s monumental contributions, the ‘Statue of Unity’ was unveiled on October 31, 2018, standing tall at 182 meters. 
  • This iconic statue serves as a testament to Patel’s unwavering resolve and his pivotal role in shaping a united India.
• National Unity Day
  • Since 2014, October 31st is observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) to celebrate Patel’s vision of a unified India. 
  • His legacy continues to inspire, reminding the nation of the strength derived from unity and integrity.

Statue of Unity: A Monument to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Legacy

• Honoring: The statue of unity was built in honour of Sardar Vallabhai Patel.
• Location: It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister at Kevadiya in Narmada district of Gujarat in 2018 on the 143rd anniversary of Patel.
• Facts: It is the tallest statue in the world and it is located on Sadhu Bet Island on the Narmada river.
  • Its height is 182 metres which is the same as the number of constituencies in Gujarat.
  • It is 23 metres taller than China’s spring temple Buddha statue and almost double the height of the Statue of Liberty (93 metres) tall in the United states.
  • The statue was designed by Padma Bhushan recipient sculptor Ram V Sutar.
• Nomenclature: As Sardar Patel is credited with uniting over 560 princely states in pre independent India to build the Republic of India, the name of the statue is named as statue of unity. 
• The statue is made to appear as though it is walking on water by having its left leg slightly in front as it goes towards the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

Conclusion:

• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s life exemplifies courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to India’s unity and progress. His role as the Iron Man of India resonates through the integration of princely states, the establishment of administrative services, and his economic foresight.
• As India strides forward, Patel’s ideals remain a guiding light, ensuring a future built on self-reliance, unity, and prosperity.